Air Tanzania Incident Sheds Light on Media Responsibility and the Public’s Right to Information.

By Adonis Byemelwa

Air Tanzania (ATCL) has been thrust into the spotlight following an incident involving its Airbus A220-300 aircraft on February 24, 2024. As the flight traveled from Dar es Salaam to Mbeya, an unexpected engine malfunction led to the emergence of smoke within the aircraft.

While the airline downplayed the event as "routine" in the aviation sector, conflicting reports and ensuing online discussions have cast a spotlight on the accuracy of information circulating in the media.

The catalyst for the debate was an article in Mwananchi newspaper, which claimed that one of the aircraft's engines had caught fire, causing panic among passengers. In response, Ladislaus Matindi, the CEO of ATCL, addressed the media on February 29, 2024, asserting that the incident was a normal malfunction caused by increased engine temperature.

In his press release, Matindi repeatedly referred to the embattled newspaper while holding it as a reference. He clarified that the passengers' encounter with smoke and odor was a consequence of increased engine temperature leading to excess oil. Matindi stressed that the presence of smoke did not imply a fire and was promptly expelled through the aircraft's ventilation system. Despite the need for the flight to return to Dar es Salaam, Matindi reassured the public that the situation inside the aircraft was not alarming. Safety measures were taken, and the smoke dissipated within five minutes.

 The aircraft returned to Dar es Salaam in 25 minutes, with 104 of 122 passengers continuing their journey and 18 opting to reschedule. However, concerns arose as Air Tanzania did not immediately release a statement about the incident, leading to anxiety among travelers. Matindi clarified that the airline followed aviation protocols, where minor issues are not always reported unless they pose a significant problem or result in an accident.

The incident prompted an online debate about the safety of Air Tanzania, to which Matindi responded by reassuring the public. He highlighted that the troubled engine had recently undergone maintenance by the German company Pratt & Whitney and had only completed 200 hours of flight since then. The aircraft was scheduled for maintenance again, per the agreement.

Emmanuel Tivai, ATCL's Head of Aircraft Safety, emphasized that such incidents are common in transportation, and the crucial aspect is the actions taken post-occurrence.

Standard procedures involve grounding the aircraft for inspection by engineers, ensuring passenger safety. Tivai affirmed that these measures were precisely followed in this case.

The incident unfolded against the backdrop of Zitto Kabwe, the leader of ACT-Wazalendo, claiming that six of ATCL's aircraft were not operational due to malfunctions.

Matindi clarified that only three planes faced issues – two with technical engine problems and one with legal challenges. Out of the 11 aircraft, eight were operational, serving various routes, including destinations in India and China.

In December 2022, the government assured Tanzanians that the Airbus A220 aircraft held in the Netherlands would not be seized due to an ongoing case at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).

However, the media's role in reporting the incident came under scrutiny, particularly with Mwananchi newspaper's initial headline that suggested the ATCL aircraft caught fire while airborne. The newspaper later issued a correction, emphasizing that the incident involved an engine malfunction, not a fire. This highlights the critical importance of accurate reporting and the impact of misleading headlines on public perception.

Reflecting on Matindi's explanations as the head of ATCL, entrusted with safeguarding the airline's business, the incident raises questions about the media's responsibility and the need for accurate reporting. Despite the contradiction by the airline's director, the newspaper failed to defend its initial report, leaving a gap in the public's understanding.

The incident further illuminates recent instances where media outlets faced threats of legal action for alleged misinformation. While the threats were not unfounded, subsequent events confirmed the accuracy of the reported information, underscoring the challenging environment for the media to operate freely.

The Air Tanzania incident serves as a reminder of the importance of truthful reporting, especially when it comes to public entities. Matindi's argument about not publicizing every minor aviation issue for business reasons is valid, but the public has the right to timely and accurate information about the performance of public enterprises.

In the realm of responsible journalism, a critical duty lies with journalists who play a pivotal role in upholding truth and objectivity. It is imperative to steer clear of sensationalism that could sow seeds of confusion among the public. Media outlets, as purveyors of information, bear the responsibility to staunchly defend their reports when under scrutiny, thereby ensuring accountability and transparency.

The recent incident involving Air Tanzania (ATCL) serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate equilibrium between national security considerations and the public's unequivocal right to know. This underscores the necessity for conscientious reporting, especially in situations where these two principles intersect.

Moreover, reflecting on the episode surrounding the Vice President's disappearance unveils a troubling pattern where social media becomes a breeding ground for unfounded speculations. Symbolic gestures, such as lighting candles to imply demise, permeated the online landscape. The relevant Ministry of Information's reluctance to promptly disclose accurate information further amplified the challenge posed by misinformation. The eventual denial and assertion of an official business trip abroad only added to the complexity of the situation.

As we dissect these instances, it becomes evident that the ATCL incident should not weigh as a burden on Mwananchi newspaper; rather, it should serve as a stark lesson. Journalists must adhere to professional standards, offering lucid information when shedding light on vulnerabilities within public institutions.

All and sundry, the haunting memory of the plane crash in Bukoba, where 19 lives were tragically lost, resonates in the context of the recent incident. An airborne vehicle emitting smoke is far from an ordinary malfunction, especially when considering the lasting scars borne by citizens. This accentuates the profound impact of such occurrences on public sentiment and the paramount need for accurate, responsible reporting to navigate the fine line between public awareness and national security.